PRELIMINARY COST MANUFACTURING STUDY FOR MULTI-LAYER THIN-FILM ELECTROLYTE SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS

摘要

This paper describes the approach for a preliminary solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cost model for evaluating the effects of raw materials, fabrication processes, and stack design on high volume manufacturing cost. The key stack components for the evaluation are the cell, metallic interconnect, and gas manifold. The cell design is based on anode supported multi-layer thin-film electrolyte cells fabricated using tape calendering. Areas of cell fabrication addressed include raw material grade, tape fabrication steps, and cell firing and sizing. Effects of stack design are evaluated in terms of cost within different planar stack configurations. Stack component fabrication and assembly methods are also used in trade studies. Cost targets and defining assumptions are presented and approaches to cost reduction are examined, such as the design-to-cost methodology. Design-to-cost methods of achieving multiple prioritized goals such as performance and cost targets simultaneously are also discussed.